6 answers
Raven
Student
Aptos, California
1
Question
Asked
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When should I start my career?
When should I start my career? I’m 15 years old I know I have a a lot of potential for my age. Sometimes I think I might be a workaholic. I just really have the urge to work.
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6 answers
Angelina Shamborska
Global Benefits and Wellbeing (Human Resources)
4
Answers
Portland, Oregon
Updated
Angelina’s Answer
Channel your energy into what you enjoy doing. Having a great work ethic will get you far. Just choose something that will motivate you because you will be working a long time. Get education in the field that inspires you.
Filipa Sousa
Project Manager
6
Answers
Lisbon, Portugal
Updated
Filipa’s Answer
Hello Raven,
Remember, there's no need to hurry into your career. Use this time to discover what truly brings you joy and engage in some extra activities. It's wonderful to see such passion in someone as young as you - many people will find that truly admirable.
Take this opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of your potential career path and the most suitable graduation course for you.
Given your age, it's beneficial to participate in various projects aimed at young adults, such as volunteer organizations. Try out different entry-level roles, like working in a coffee shop or other starting positions. These experiences will equip you with a broader perspective for the future, making you a more visionary employee. It's crucial to be aware of the world around us before stepping into a professional environment, and you're at the perfect age for it!
Never let go of your goals or your enthusiasm!
Remember, there's no need to hurry into your career. Use this time to discover what truly brings you joy and engage in some extra activities. It's wonderful to see such passion in someone as young as you - many people will find that truly admirable.
Take this opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of your potential career path and the most suitable graduation course for you.
Given your age, it's beneficial to participate in various projects aimed at young adults, such as volunteer organizations. Try out different entry-level roles, like working in a coffee shop or other starting positions. These experiences will equip you with a broader perspective for the future, making you a more visionary employee. It's crucial to be aware of the world around us before stepping into a professional environment, and you're at the perfect age for it!
Never let go of your goals or your enthusiasm!
Ann Zis, PMP
Program Manager
1
Answer
Los Gatos, California
Updated
Ann’s Answer
Hi Raven, what a great question. First and foremost, good for you for wanting to get out there and get things going. May I suggest thinking about "starting your career" as a journey and not a single point-in-time event. As you continue to explore your interests, speak with others, and experiment, you may find over your lifetime you have started many careers : )
If you are motivated to "start" then go for it! And while there may be considerations (follows) it's amazing how ambitious people figure something out (like those who put up a lemonade/drink stand on the street corner, sell cookies, etc.).
It is important to strike a balance between work, school, and personal development/health. And as there is a lifetime ahead of you, the hope is you'll find something you enjoy (love?) doing - then it will never feel like "work" (in the sense of its original definition).
Wishing you all the best!
=====================
Here are a number of considerations as you start:
*Local Labor Laws*: Research the labor laws in your area to understand the minimum age requirements for employment. In many places, 15-year-olds may be limited to certain types of work or hours.
*Part-Time Jobs*: If legally allowed, consider part-time jobs like babysitting, pet sitting, lawn care, or tutoring - these can provide valuable work experience (and income).
*Internships*: Some organizations offer internships or apprenticeships to younger people. This is a great way to obtain hands-on experience in an area that may interest you.
*Skills Development*: continue learning new skills that could lead to future employment opportunities. In addition to school-led courses, community centers and other facilities may offer opportunities for exposure.
*Networking*: Put yourself out there. Talk with family friends, teachers, or others you come in contact with. It's important to nourish relationships that you make. Keep in contact. Have a reciprocal relationship - you may be able to help them too.
*Mentor*: This is a biggie. When you connect with someone you trust and respect, ask if they'd be your mentor. You can have more than one mentor who you can consult with in different aspects of the professional and personal life you're building.
If you are motivated to "start" then go for it! And while there may be considerations (follows) it's amazing how ambitious people figure something out (like those who put up a lemonade/drink stand on the street corner, sell cookies, etc.).
It is important to strike a balance between work, school, and personal development/health. And as there is a lifetime ahead of you, the hope is you'll find something you enjoy (love?) doing - then it will never feel like "work" (in the sense of its original definition).
Wishing you all the best!
=====================
Here are a number of considerations as you start:
*Local Labor Laws*: Research the labor laws in your area to understand the minimum age requirements for employment. In many places, 15-year-olds may be limited to certain types of work or hours.
*Part-Time Jobs*: If legally allowed, consider part-time jobs like babysitting, pet sitting, lawn care, or tutoring - these can provide valuable work experience (and income).
*Internships*: Some organizations offer internships or apprenticeships to younger people. This is a great way to obtain hands-on experience in an area that may interest you.
*Skills Development*: continue learning new skills that could lead to future employment opportunities. In addition to school-led courses, community centers and other facilities may offer opportunities for exposure.
*Networking*: Put yourself out there. Talk with family friends, teachers, or others you come in contact with. It's important to nourish relationships that you make. Keep in contact. Have a reciprocal relationship - you may be able to help them too.
*Mentor*: This is a biggie. When you connect with someone you trust and respect, ask if they'd be your mentor. You can have more than one mentor who you can consult with in different aspects of the professional and personal life you're building.
Troy Devers
Branding & Marketing
7
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Troy’s Answer
It's fantastic to see your enthusiasm and readiness to embark on a career. Remember, the key is to concentrate on what you love doing and gaining experience in new areas whenever you can. This will naturally steer you towards a promising career. Pursue your passions, connect with others who share similar interests, and keep an open mind for fresh opportunities. These are the most beneficial things to concentrate on at this stage, and your career will undoubtedly follow suit. Best of luck!
Irene Rivera de Royston
Retired Educator/Social Worker
6
Answers
Cutler Bay, FL
Updated
Irene’s Answer
Hello Raven,
It's truly inspiring to see you planning ahead for your future career. The valuable insights shared by Mr. Mittal and Ms. Zis serve as a fantastic starting point for you to delve into your skills and interests. An incredibly comprehensive tool at your disposal is the Occupational Outlook Handbook. This can be easily accessed online or perhaps found at your local library. I'm suggesting this resource because pinpointing a career path can sometimes feel overwhelming.
It could be beneficial to consider careers in the context of different work environments and ponder where you'd like to apply your skills. Here are some categories used by the Occupational Outlook Handbook. How do these align with your interests?
Arts and Design; Business and Financial; Community and Social Service; Computer and Information Technology; Construction; Education; Entertainment and Sports; Farming and Forestry; Food Services; Healthcare; Legal; Media and Communication; Military; Sales; Transportation.
Also, envision what you'd like to focus on during your workday... would you prefer primarily working with people, dealing with data/information, or handling equipment and machinery (including computers)? While all jobs involve interacting with people, data, or things, it's important to decide what you'd like your main responsibilities to be.
You're already ahead of the curve by commencing your quest for a fulfilling career at this stage. Best of luck, and above all, relish your journey through the diverse landscape of work.
It's truly inspiring to see you planning ahead for your future career. The valuable insights shared by Mr. Mittal and Ms. Zis serve as a fantastic starting point for you to delve into your skills and interests. An incredibly comprehensive tool at your disposal is the Occupational Outlook Handbook. This can be easily accessed online or perhaps found at your local library. I'm suggesting this resource because pinpointing a career path can sometimes feel overwhelming.
It could be beneficial to consider careers in the context of different work environments and ponder where you'd like to apply your skills. Here are some categories used by the Occupational Outlook Handbook. How do these align with your interests?
Arts and Design; Business and Financial; Community and Social Service; Computer and Information Technology; Construction; Education; Entertainment and Sports; Farming and Forestry; Food Services; Healthcare; Legal; Media and Communication; Military; Sales; Transportation.
Also, envision what you'd like to focus on during your workday... would you prefer primarily working with people, dealing with data/information, or handling equipment and machinery (including computers)? While all jobs involve interacting with people, data, or things, it's important to decide what you'd like your main responsibilities to be.
You're already ahead of the curve by commencing your quest for a fulfilling career at this stage. Best of luck, and above all, relish your journey through the diverse landscape of work.
Amit Mittal
Officer at Citibank
96
Answers
Pune, Maharashtra, India
Updated
Amit’s Answer
Hello Raven,
This is Amit. It’s great to see such enthusiasm and drive at your age!
Starting a career doesn’t necessarily mean getting a full-time job. It can also mean exploring your interests, learning new skills, and gaining experiences that could be beneficial for your future career. Here are a few suggestions:
Explore Your Interests: Identify what you are passionate about. It could be anything from coding, writing, music, art, science, etc. Spend time doing what you love.
Education: Focus on your education as it’s the foundation of your future career. Try to excel in your studies and participate in extra-curricular activities.
Internships and Volunteering: Look for internships or volunteering opportunities that align with your interests. This can give you a real-world experience.
Learn New Skills: There are numerous online platforms offering courses on various subjects. Learning new skills could give you an edge in your future career.
Networking: Connect with people who are already working in the field of your interest. They can provide valuable insights and guidance.
Remember, it’s important to maintain a balance between work and other aspects of life. It’s great that you’re eager to work, but also take time to relax and enjoy your teenage years!
This is Amit. It’s great to see such enthusiasm and drive at your age!
Starting a career doesn’t necessarily mean getting a full-time job. It can also mean exploring your interests, learning new skills, and gaining experiences that could be beneficial for your future career. Here are a few suggestions:
Explore Your Interests: Identify what you are passionate about. It could be anything from coding, writing, music, art, science, etc. Spend time doing what you love.
Education: Focus on your education as it’s the foundation of your future career. Try to excel in your studies and participate in extra-curricular activities.
Internships and Volunteering: Look for internships or volunteering opportunities that align with your interests. This can give you a real-world experience.
Learn New Skills: There are numerous online platforms offering courses on various subjects. Learning new skills could give you an edge in your future career.
Networking: Connect with people who are already working in the field of your interest. They can provide valuable insights and guidance.
Remember, it’s important to maintain a balance between work and other aspects of life. It’s great that you’re eager to work, but also take time to relax and enjoy your teenage years!